In H1 2014 the customs authorities of the Russian Federation based on the operational materials initiated 850 criminal proceedings.

Pursuant to article 194 of the Criminal Code of Russia (evasion of customs duties) 257 criminal cases were opened. Pursuant to article 226.1 of the Criminal Code of Russia (illegal trafficking of hazardous substances, specific goods, cultural property…) 239 criminal cases were opened. For illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors and analogues 323 criminal cases were opened (article 229.1 of the Criminal Code of Russia). Since the start of 2014 law enforcement subdivisions of customs authorities confiscated 359 kg of narcotic drugs, psychotropic and potent substances including 5 kg of heroin, 25 kg of cocaine, 21 kg of hemp, 151 kg of marijuana, 146 of narcotics being part of smoking blends such as “spice”, 2 kg of sibutramine (see information for reference).

Moreover, in H1 2014 in follow-up of the customs control following release of goods based on materials of operational subdivisions of the customs authorities over 1 bln 171 mio rubles were charged to replenish the federal budget.

FCS of Russia actively enhances cooperation with foreign law enforcement structures. Thus, a special-purpose international customs operation “Lyod” was held in May aimed at detection and elimination of channels for illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, foreign currency, tobacco products, weapons, armament, explosives and goods containing intellectual property items. The customs services of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Finland and Estonia were engaged in the operation. FCS of Russia also took part in the international operation of WTO “Odysseus” intended to combat illegal trafficking of cultural property. In April the customs services of Russia and Finland held a special-purpose customs operation “Turetsky gambit” aimed to combat illegal movement of Turkish goods across the customs border of the Customs Union.

For reference:

For instance, on June 10, 2014 in Pulkovo airport in the course of the customs check of passenger luggage for flight “Frankfurt – Saint-Petersburg” a Russian citizen was apprehended who arrived in transit across Germany from Uruguay. Upon inspection of luggage bag of this passenger 20 parcels with powder-like substance were detected attached to five pairs of jeans with a packing tape. Subject to the results of expert examination having been held the substance in the parcels was a narcotic drug – cocaine. Total gross weight of the confiscated drug was 12.5 kg. Due to this fact the department of inquiries of Pulkovo customs office initiated a criminal case under cl. “б” part 1 art. 229.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (for more information see press release dd. 25.06.2014 “Customs Against Narcotics”).